Palliative Care

Some health issues are so serious that treating your condition or illness alone is not enough – comfort and quality of life may be just as important as a cure. Our palliative care team understands this and is specially trained in providing relief from illness symptoms and aggressive treatments, as well as emotional support for whatever you’re facing.

Conditions that benefit from palliative care

Palliative care is a medical specialty focused on treating discomfort, stress and symptoms associated with serious illnesses, particularly chronic or life-limiting ones. You may find palliative care beneficial if your symptoms or diagnosis feels overwhelming for you or your family. This care can be delivered in addition to other treatments designed to help you get better, or it may be considered when such treatments are no longer desired or effective.

Common conditions that can benefit from palliative care include:

Cancer

Liver failure

Heart disease

AIDS

Lung disease

Cystic fibrosis

Kidney failure

Dementia

Services and treatments for palliative care

Palliative care is unique in that care plans are designed around a person rather than an illness. You can expect one-on-one attention – starting when you are diagnosed and continuing through your treatment. This means special attention is given to anticipating, preventing and managing physical discomfort; supporting emotional, social and spiritual needs; assisting caregivers; and helping you plan for the future.

Complex symptom management

If your condition or treatment is causing you pain, shortness of breath, nausea and vomiting or other debilitating symptoms, your physician may recommend palliative care. Once you enter palliative care, a team will meet with you and your physician and make recommendations on alternative treatments and approaches designed to manage symptoms and enhance your quality of life.

Chronic disease management

Living with a chronic illness comes with special circumstances and challenges. Our palliative care teams help you and your family understand your illness and develop a treatment plan that allows you to live as actively as possible throughout the course of your illness. Through educational materials, symptom and pain management, integration of psychological and spiritual care and connecting you with support systems, we help teach you and your personal caregivers how to manage your illness.

What to expect with palliative care

Hospice care

Hospice is a special type of palliative care for people at the end stages of life. Hospice can help ensure that the last few months of life are lived with dignity, control and comfort. Learn more about hospice care.